I have been doing triathlon for one year on a borrowed very old bike. I live in the mountains at high altitude and mostly ride up and down, I would like to spend less than $1000 on a bike, I am a teacher with a modest budget and am really not brand name concerned, nor how pretty it is. I want ONE good bike to ride up the mountain with ease and in races. I am 38, and just started competing, so the minutes don't really matter to me. I hope I can have this bike for a long time.
My sport mates have TOO much advice, and always push to spend more money and more gadgets.